Race for Teens At-Risk Sunday at Coronation Park by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff 9 | Wednesday, June 4, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Drew Hildebrand died on April 8, 2008, but his memory lives on with the annual Race for Teens AtRisk in Oakville. Drew was a victim of teen violence -- he was just 16 years old. The fundraising walk supports the Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund (DHTBF), which was established in Drew's memory and helps "turnaround teens" who have demonstrated initiative in pursuing a better life -- Drew was a "turnaround teen." The sixth edition of the event is set for Sunday (June 8) at Coronation Park, 1426 Lakeshore Rd. W., with race-day registration opening at 7:30 a.m. Kim Evershed, who belongs to one of the three founding families of the DHTBF -- the other families are the Hildebrands and Simmons -- says the annual race has become successful in providing funds for the Teen Benefit Fund and helping other turnaround teens. "As of last year, we started a free music and arts program and this year alone we helped more than 300 kids," she said. DHTBF offers music and arts programs, including cooking, photography and dance, to teens aged 12-20, facing challenges or in financial need. It also offers a "legal graffiti" art class where artist mentors come into the workshop and teach the participants. Proceeds from the race help fund these programs and go towards providing post-secondary education The sixth annual Race for Teens At-Risk takes place in Coronation Park Sunday (June 8). Proceeds support the Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund (DHTBF), established in memory of Drew Hildebrand. | Oakville Beaver file photo scholarships to graduating students. "On race day, we give out these scholarships to teens who have turned their lives around and this year we're giving out eight," Evershed said. To date, 38 scholarships of up to $5,000 have been awarded since 2009 -- applications are accepted annually between Jan. 1-April 1. "It can be an extraordinary challenge for at-risk teens to take the courageous and consistent actions to turn their backs on risky behaviours," stated the DHTBF website. "The goal of the `It takes Courage to Change' scholarships is to encourage at-risk teens to take the initiative to find the path to a better life, and then recognize and reward graduating teens in Halton, Peel, Greater Toronto and surrounding area high schools who have demonstrated positive change and turnaround initiative." Last year's race saw 325 participants raise approximately $24,000. Organizers hope to raise $30,000 this year and expect 400 racers. Evershed said the event owes much to its volunteers -- there are more than 100 this year with 80 of those being high school students. Race participants will get to choose from a 10-kilometre run, or a 5K run or walk. After a warm-up at 8:25 a.m., the 10K run starts at 9 a.m., followed by the 5K run/walk at 9:05 a.m. A student bake sale will also be available at 9 a.m., along with the chance to purchase 50/50 tickets. Lunch is provided and awards will be handed out. Registration for the 10K run and 5K run/walk costs $50 and $40, respectively, until tomorrow (Thursday). After that, registration will be $55 (10K run) and $45 (5K run/walk). Students aged eight to 18 can register for any of the three events for $20. Advanced registration kit bags can be picked up on Saturday (June 7) at the Running Room Oakville, 156 Lakeshore Rd., from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. To register for the walk or run, or to make a donation to the cause, visit http://goo.gl/52NRTl or http:// goo.gl/Y2HxJQ, respectively. Those interested in volunteering for Drew's Crew to help out on race day can email dhtbf@rogers.com. For more information, visit www. drewhildebrandtbf.com/events/walkrun. CONCRETE EXPOSED AGGREGATE (Pebble) · DRIVEWAYS · STEPS · FRENCH CURBS · WALKWAYS · PATIOS · GARAGE FLOORS uality At Its Best! Call Fernando 905-844-5518 1-888-944-5518 www.concretetrimmings.com FREE ESTIMATES Zoomer Fair Presented in partnership with the Mississauga branch of 2076 Speers Road, Oakville, Ontario, L6L 2X8 KVAR ENERGY SAVER UNIT Special on Unit Cost from $399 to $349 plus tax (SAVE $50) 12 year warranty provided by AFER and CSA approved Commercial Units also available. 905-845-9063 THURSDAY, JUNE 5th, 10 am-2 pm Visit over 40 exhibitors from area businesses, services and non-profit organizations to pick-up great information for Zoomers, Boomers, seniors and caregivers. For a list of exhibitors, visit sheridancentre.ca and click on Zoomer Fair under Mall Events. 2225 Erin Mills Parkway just north of the QEW Can Reduce your hydro cost up to 25% Contact North Star Electric to arrange a demo/purchase of the KVAR System. ACP Approved contractor with Electrical Safety Authority. Installation $200 + tax (includes ESA permit and certificate) www.aferinc.com & www.northstarelectric.ca